Wool Brocade Skirt and Knit Pleated top

My plans for the gorgeous Mood Fabric's Cranberry and Blue Wool Brocade 


 was twofold and not to be worn together, first a skirt and then  jacket to be worn with the floral tie shirt from my last Mood Sewing Network.  If you are saying, what, the floral?  I am saying, yes,it looked really good together, at least draped on my dressform.  Well, that fabric combination isn't going to happen because, my blazer just didn't work out and is going to become a sleeveless blazer (posted yesterday).


 That little speed bump in my sewing room didn't stop me, I went right to work on McCall's 6038, a fitted skirt.    This is my TNT skirt pattern and I really like how it looks and feels on.   




Wool is one of those fabrics that is so wonderful to sew.  It presses beautifully, easy to sew and just looks fabulous when you are finished.  On this skirt, I always used a press cloth and I pinked the seam allowances.  This prevented the seam allowance from showing after pressing. Also, this fabric really frays, so I felt the pinking necessary to keep little strings from falling out of my skirt!

 My skirt is fully lined and for me I mean fully lined.  I don't do well with wool touching my skin, so I always eliminate the facings and line up to the waistband.  I know this is a bit unconventional but it is the only way I can wear wool and I really wanted this fabric.  It is hard to photograph but just look at the swatch picture, it is gorgeous.  I did use the other side, it has more of the blue and I really liked the look of that side, so whichever side you pick it looks amazing.


 Now let's move onto the Butterick 5354 top, it might be my new favorite.   I made this in Mood Fabrics'
Ivory Solid Luxurious Poly Knit.   That knit is sold out but here is some other choices when I search Poly knit - Click here





The feel of this fabric is luxurious just as the description states, "If you could turn four-ply silk into a knit, this is what it would look and feel like. " And it is not thin, medium-weight is how Mood describes it.  This was the biggest plus for me, not a thin, see-through light color top, this one has weight and substance, you don't have to worry about anything showing through.


 I was looking through my patterns and thought this Butterick would be something a bit more dressy which I felt the wool brocade needed. Just look at those pleats, I love them, something to frame the face and add interest to the top.  The pattern calls for a front facing, which I did not do.  I added a small self-fabric binding, which helps keep the top pulled in, especially when you lean over.

       



 Take a look at the entire silhouette of the shirt, it is fitted without being overly tight.  The fabric sews like a dream and is easy to press.
 



I would flare the bottom of the top out just a little bit the next time I sew, it seems a bit straight from the waist, no womanly curves built in.

  I have a navy cardigan on the way to me and this will really complete this outfit for the fall and winter months.  

Now about that sleeveless vest not many comments so I am thinking you all don't like it much at all.

I will try it with some other options as Lisa suggested.

Carolyn on the Mood Sewing Network suggested this:

Lori – the skirt and top are pretty, however, I think the sleeveless vest with an Archer under it would look amazing. I like how you belted it on your blog and think it would make a great outfit with this skirt. Love that this is your TNT skirt pattern!!!

So I will try that too.